A new UK rule requiring most dual British citizens to travel to the UK on a British passport is prompting internationally-mobile Brits and UK expats to consider renouncing their citizenship, reveals deVere Group.
The finding from one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory organisations, which has more than 80,000 expatriate clients globally, comes as fresh rules demand that since February dual nationals must generally present a British passport when entering the UK.
Travelling on a non-British passport alone will no longer be sufficient unless accompanied by a certificate confirming right of abode.
The change forms part of the UK’s broader shift toward digitised borders and electronic travel authorisation systems designed to standardise identity checks.
Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, says: “Our experience with globally mobile and expat clients suggests the rule is already influencing how some individuals view their citizenship.
“In our experience working with internationally mobile individuals and families, a small but growing number are considering whether maintaining British citizenship continues to make sense for them,” he says.
“These are typically professionals, entrepreneurs and investors who live across several jurisdictions and prioritise simplicity and flexibility in how they travel and manage their affairs.
“For some, additional bureaucracy around passports and travel documentation raises the question of whether holding multiple citizenships remains worthwhile.”
Dual citizenship has become far more common globally over the past three decades as migration increased and governments gradually accepted dual nationality.
Many internationally mobile professionals now build careers that span continents, holding assets, investments and business interests across multiple countries.
For most dual nationals, the new UK rule simply means ensuring their British passport is valid before travelling to Britain.
However, for some people living abroad—particularly families who have relied on another passport for travel—the requirement introduces an additional administrative step.
The deVere CEO says developments like this highlight how citizenship, mobility and financial planning are becoming increasingly intertwined.
“International professionals often structure their lives across several jurisdictions,” he explains.
“Where someone lives, how they travel and which citizenships they hold can intersect with tax status, investment planning and long-term wealth structures.”
Digitised border systems are becoming increasingly common worldwide.
Airlines and border authorities now rely heavily on digital databases and pre-travel verification systems that confirm eligibility before passengers board an aircraft.
These systems prioritise clear and consistent identity documentation.
For people with multiple citizenships or complex international backgrounds, administrative details can therefore become more significant.
Nigel Green says advisers working with globally mobile clients are seeing rising awareness of how such policies can influence personal and financial decisions.
“In our day-to-day work with clients who live internationally, mobility is often a central consideration,” he says.
“Administrative changes that affect travel documentation can influence how people think about residency, citizenship and long-term planning.”
Census data shows the number of dual citizens connected to the UK has risen significantly in recent years, reflecting both longstanding migrant communities and more recent geopolitical developments such as Brexit.
As global mobility increases, governments are also tightening digital border management systems.
The chief executive says this combination can create new friction for internationally mobile individuals.
“Rules that appear technical can still influence practical decisions about where people choose to live, work and invest.
“Clients who divide their time between several countries pay close attention to anything that affects cross-border mobility.”
The UK passport rule does not change the legal right of British citizens to enter the country, but it alters how that right must be demonstrated.
For many dual nationals the change will have little practical impact.
For others, however, it has triggered broader reflection about the role citizenship plays in an increasingly international lifestyle.
Nigel Green concludes: “Our experience suggests that globally mobile individuals increasingly assess citizenship in practical terms.
“Global mobility, administration, and long-term financial planning are becoming more closely connected than ever before.”
